An Autumn Camp
Part 2

by RichardUK

Since I had been kept in the dark about this event until a couple of days ago, I was amazed to find that a dozen boys (all of them "regulars") would be camping over the weekend.  Mike, Peter, Roger, Andrew and Mark were already here and as we chattered Matthew and his younger brother Paul joined us, engaged in a noisy argument.  We gathered round the new comers and asked what the matter was.  Paul began to answer but his older brother grabbed him, clamping his hand tightly across the younger boy's mouth to silence him. 

"I've just about had enough of his moaning," Matthew said, at the same time giving us a big wink, which his brother was unable to see.  "All the way here he has been moaning that I am over protective and should leave him to look after himself."  I smiled inwardly as I recalled how Matthew had nearly destroyed us all by wanting to storm in recklessly to rescue his brother because Paul was being "tortured".  At the same time, I had enjoyed some of that self-same "protection" recently, and not only from my big brother, so I wasn't sure I entirely supported Paul! 

"The solution is simple!" Mike laughed.  "We just ensure you two are on opposite sides when we commence the battle and that should solve the problem."

 He looked thoughtful for a moment and then added, "I suppose we can trust you not to apply any favouritism ,can we?" 

Paul finally managed to shake himself free from the gagging hand, glared at his brother and said, "You can certainly trust me!" 

Suddenly, Matthew laughed and said, "Fair enough, if that's how you want it.  You had better watch out though!"  We all laughed and got down to the task of pitching our tents etc.

Mike had managed to persuade our leaders to lend us three six man tents which meant that we were going to be quite comfortable and rather than establish separate camps, we agreed they should all be pitched together. 

While most of the boys began work on the tents, Mike grasped my shoulder and took me to one side. 

"Listening to Matthew and Paul arguing reminded me that Paul should be the least of our worries.  Are you sure you really want to be part of this?"  I looked at Mike and saw the concern in his eyes.  He had been one of my rescuers a few weeks before and perhaps the recollection was as fresh for him as it was for me.  Then I thought of Matthew and Paul and it was like a heavy weight lifting from my shoulders.

I grinned at Mike and said, "To be honest, I was a little shocked at my reaction when those four thugs attacked me earlier but I'm glad they did it - I'm fine now and I don't expect it will happen again.  I enjoy these games and I would hate to have to give them up!"

Mike grinned at me and said, "You really are a little perv, aren't you?" I felt myself colouring but before I could answer he went on, "That's great! I have a confession to make.  The attack on you was planned two days ago after we heard you would be able to join us this weekend, and by rather more than the four who carried it out.  You obviously had no suspicions this morning when Stuart arrived at your house unexpectedly and uninvited!  I hope you will forgive us all - we thought it would give you a chance to change your mind "in private" so to speak.  We all know how close you five are!"

"I don't want to change my mind," I replied.  "I suppose I ought to be angry with all this scheming going on behind my back, but I am really grateful to you all as I am sure I have got my confidence back.  In any case, if our last battle is anything to go by it is you and Peter who should worry!" 

"Don't get your hopes up," Mike countered.  "OK, if that's how you want it war it is and no quarter given!"

I laughed and responded, "I never intended to give any, anyway".  Somehow, I felt that wasn't quite what Mike meant. 

Just then, Roger joined us very hot and sweaty.  "Are you guys going to help with these tents or just stand around like two old women gossiping all day?"  I felt sure he knew exactly what Mike had been saying but we took the point and joined the others.  Another hour saw our camp properly pitched and we were able to relax over a cold lunch provided by various parents.

Our afternoon was to be taken up with scouting work, led by Mike and Peter, the oldest in the group (we were more conscientious than readers might suspect from my stories!).  We would then have the evening to make our plans over supper before bed.  We were planning a short hike along the coast in the morning and then battle would commence in earnest after lunch.  The afternoon passed pleasantly enough and everyone worked hard although, inexplicably, knot work was by far the most popular subject.  As everyone present was fairly efficient in this subject, and as this was probably the only topic that Mike and Peter would be reluctant to broaden our knowledge significantly, I could only assume that these ghouls were hoping for an opportunity to tie someone up.

Towards the end of the session the audience finally got what they were waiting for.  Mike called for a volunteer.  He had been talking about lashings and it was quite clear to everyone from his words why he wanted a "helper".  It has to be understood that not all my friends were quite so willing to be bound as I normally was.  Everyone expected to have to suffer in this way from time to time and no one raised a grouse but many of my friends, given the choice, would prefer to be doing the tying.  Eyes were therefore cast down and an eerie silence descended.  I could sense several eyes peering at me but on this occasion I was determined to remain free if at all possible.

The silence was finally broken by Matthew, saying, "If you guys are all going to sit there like lemons I guess I will have to help out.  I volunteer Paul!" There was general laughter, and all eyes were turned towards the unfortunate boy who had been so outspoken earlier.  He didn't look up but blushed deeply and before he had an opportunity to flee eager hands grasped him by the shoulders, lifted him to his feet and pushed him to the front of the circle. 

Paul was plainly furious with his brother and snarled, "I'll get even with you!" but he was given no time to reflect on his predicament, even as Matthew was rolling on the ground with laughter.  While we all sat and giggled, Mike was like a showman. 

"First, the wrists!" he declaimed.  As he spoke these words he grasped his victim by the shoulders, spun him around so Paul's back was to the audience and gripped his arms, pulling them behind his back and crossing the boy's wrists with a flourish.  As he did so, Peter stepped forward with a length of rope and in what seemed like seconds Paul's hands were tied behind his back in a full blown diagonal lashing.

As our "demonstrators" stood back while Paul took the opportunity to struggle ineffectually, we all gasped in admiration.  Alas, our admiration was not shared by the unfortunate victim who continued to threaten his brother with the most evil consequences. 

This was upsetting Mike's equanimity and he turned to Matthew and said, "Can't you keep him quiet?"  Matthew's response was to produce a handkerchief from his pocket and with an air of seriousness hand it to Mike.  With a flourish, the latter passed it to Peter who, without hesitation, stuffed it unceremoniously into the younger boy's mouth.  Paul looked indignant, and although they didn't bind it in place, he was silenced effectively.

Mike now had our full and undivided attention once more.  In a very aloof tone he addressed his audience, "What you see here is of course a standard lashing, which has been applied by all of you here from time to time, more or less successfully.  Now I want to show you how to deal with the feet!" I was watching Mike closely - he was having difficulty maintaining his pompous act.  If he took much longer, he would be rolling around the floor with laughter.  Poor Paul, on the other hand, seemed to have missed the joke - he was struggling furiously to free his hands (a waste of effort) and unable to push the gag out with his tongue was mmmpppfhing most satisfactorily.

Mike managed to suppress his laughter and, at a signal from him, Peter grasped their victim and forced him to the floor, leaving him lying uncomfortably on his bound wrists.  Without more ado Peter grabbed Paul's feet, pulled his legs apart and then crossed his ankles in the same manner as his wrists.  With the same dexterity shown earlier another piece of rope appeared and the prisoner's ankles were bound in exactly the same manner as his hands.  Finally, our two showmen turned Paul over so he was lying on his stomach.  I looked on open mouthed - the diagonal lashing on Paul's ankles, with cords passing both vertically and horizontally around his limbs, meant he was unable to straighten his legs.  His knees were spread wide apart while his bound feet were well clear of the ground, the professional way in which the ropes had been applied ensuring he had precious little movement within his bonds.  It was quite clear that Paul would be unable to stand (unless he were able to perch on one leg with the other tied to it!) even supposing he was able to turn over and sit up.  I was full of admiration.

Mike and Peter stood back to admire their handiwork and at last the former was unable to contain himself any longer.  A huge grin split his face and he dissolved into laughter, closely followed by Peter.  Meanwhile, the audience actually applauded.  Paul finally succeeded in pushing the cloth out of his mouth with his tongue and swore vengeance on his brother - he clearly didn't feel like congratulating our lecturers quite so heartily as the rest of us.  He was swiftly silenced by Matthew who reminded him he was in no position to make threats of any sort.  I guess he realised he had brought some of his present predicament upon himself and he decided to lay quietly, knowing that it was unlikely he would be left there long.  This brought our afternoon's activities to an end.  Evening was fast approaching and Mike suggested getting the stoves started for supper.

The group rapidly broke up as boys headed for our tents when suddenly a small voice said, "What about me?"  It was Paul, and Mike and Matthew stopped short, looked at one another and giggled.

 James and I were also amongst the last to leave and I said we would take care of Paul so the older boys left us to it.  We first helped Paul to turn over and then freed his ankles. 

He was still muttering threats under his breath but I stopped him by saying, "You have to admit that was awesome.  I bet you couldn't have got free on your own even though no other lashings had been used!" 

"No, I guess you are right, Richard," he replied.  "It was pretty cool!  Still, when I complained to Matthew about treating me like a baby I didn't think he would rat on me like that." 

“Forget it," I suggested.  "It's not always bad to have an older brother who takes care of you, but I reckon you could be in for trouble before the end of the weekend.  Since Matthew will insist on opposing you so he can try to get more revenge, how do you feel about joining us?  I don't know what Mike has in mind for tomorrow but there is no harm in thinking about teams now!"  Paul nodded his assent immediately.  "Right, that's settled then.  Now, sit up and lean forward and we'll think about untying your hands." 

The reluctant prisoner complied with our request and as we set him free said, "I guess you are right about big brothers really, but I sure as hell don't intend to tell him sometime soon!"  I laughed at his comments but my mind drifted back to a few weeks earlier - Matthew had been one of Chris's select group who dealt with my tormentors.  I would be forever in his debt but it was a closely guarded secret known only to the boys who had been present.

We followed the others who had gathered in front of our three tents.  The stoves were already alight and supper was being prepared.  We found a heated discussion taking place over the sleeping arrangements.  Matthew was particularly reluctant to share with his brother following the events of the afternoon but this was quickly solved when I said that Paul would join James, Stuart and me.  This suited his brother, who joined David, Robert and Mark, leaving the older boys together...

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